Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Eco-Friendly Amenities for Your Home



Eco-friendly amenities often add to the beauty and comfort of a home, and even save money in the long run. There are unlimited ways to upgrade your existing home to be more eco-friendly. Here are some of the top trends in eco-friendly remodeling in 2015:

1. ENERGY STAR appliances. Appliances are responsible for about 20 percent of an average home’s energy use, and some can make an up to 50 percent saving on energy and water bills. Consider using trendy and durable stainless steel appliances, and the new high-efficiency, clean-burning gas stoves that protect your indoor air quality.

2. Natural sunlight. Not only does it illuminate your home for free, but studies show that natural light is far better for mental and physical health. Well-placed windows with quality window treatments will help you make the most of your available daylight. Skylights are another great option. If your existing windows are in poor shape, replacing them with high-quality, energy-efficient windows can also save on your energy bills. Wood or fiberglass windows; they are much more eco-friendly than vinyl.

3. Real wood. Nothing beats the warm luxurious look and feel of real wood flooring, trim and cabinetry. Real wood is much healthier than alternatives such as particleboard, because it will not off-gas toxic substances into your home.

4. Built-in water filters.
Municipal water supplies contain chlorine and other substances that can compromise your health. Install sink filters. Imagine the convenience of having delicious, pure water right out your tap. Your skin absorbs chlorine readily, so why not get a showerhead filter? Or better yet, invest in a whole house water filter.

5. Smart home technology.
Smart management is the key to efficiency. You can save huge amounts of energy and water (not to mention time) by taking advantage of modern automated home management technology. Some popular examples include programmable thermostats and weather-based irrigation controllers.

6. Eco-friendly landscaping. The first step is careful plant selection. Native plants are a good choice because they don’t require more water and nutrients than is natural for your area. Next, place them where it makes sense for optimal beauty and energy efficiency. Shade trees are a great example, but well-placed shrubs, vines and even flowerbeds can help shelter your home from sun and wind, and collect excess rainwater runoff. Rain barrels, rain gardens and automatic watering systems can help minimize your water use while maintaining a beautiful exterior.

If you are thinking of remodeling, consider some or all of these eco-friendly upgrades. Not only will they make your home greener, but also a more pleasant, healthy place to live.